8 romantic Lake Erie spots for Valentine’s Day: Romance the Lake

Falling in love on Lake Erie? Here’s some romantic ideas for Valentine’s Day, as part of the Romance the Lake series with Peter & Co. Jewelers.

Perhaps a tromp on the ice dunes lacks the obvious romance of a barefoot walk along the surf. But Lake Erie is still gorgeous in winter, and its sunsets still cast a golden glow (albeit hours earlier). So why not make lakefront plans for Valentine’s Day?

Whether you’re looking for a decadent dinner, a swanky spot to dance or an indulgent overnight stay, Lake Erie has options, from Port Clinton to Ashtabula.

Then warm up with one of these Valentine destinations. (And don’t forget the Valentine gift!)

Romance the Lake is a collaborative series between RocktheLake and Peter & Co. Jewelers in Avon Lake. Throughout the year, we’ll bring you the most romantic spots on Lake Erie, the best wedding photo ops and the most swoonworthy stories of love on the lake. Because Lake Erie not only rocks, it romances.

Feb. 10

Nuevo Cleveland: Get a grand view of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline at Nuevo Modern Mexican at the end of the East 9th Street Pier in Cleveland. First, take a selfie at the Cleveland script sign outside. Then enjoy a five-course dinner, paired with Champagne in the restaurant’s second-floor catering space. Tickets are $60, and reservations are required.

Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake: Take a spin on the dance floor overlooking Lake Erie at the Grand Dinner & Dancing event at Horizons Restaurant at the state park lodge, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Valentine’s Week

Merwin’s Wharf, Cleveland: Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day dinner overlooking the Cuyahoga River. Dinner for two (available Feb. 10, 11 and 14, restaurant is closed Feb. 12-13) is $60 and includes choices from a limited menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Entrees include beef filet, lobster tail, fish fry and stuffed peppers.

Hilton Cleveland Downtown: Great views of the lake from rooftop Bar 32, or the grassy Mall outside the hotel. A special “Love is Brewing” package includes valet parking, a giant pretzel in Bar 32, four Great Lakes beers and two Great Lakes pint glasses in the room. The cost is $209.

Pier W, Lakewood: No official special, but you can’t beat the view of the lake and downtown Cleveland from this special occasion restaurant.

Lakehouse Inn, Geneva-on-the-Lake: Celebrate at this adorable lakeside bed and breakfast with its own winery, restaurant, spa and steps to a private beach. The Romance Me package includes 60-minute couples massage and $100 voucher for dinner at Crosswinds Grille for $281. Separately, an overnight stay in a lakefront Jacuzzi suite with a full breakfast the following morning is $129 (Sunday-Thursday).

Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron: Spend the night in a deluxe guest room, enjoy dinner for two and two cocktails at Salmon Run, starting at $109.

Touche, Vermilion: The martini/wine bar at Chez Francois, with a reputation as one of the best and most romantic restaurants in Northeast Ohio, offers a special Valentine’s Day dinner. The dinner includes choices of hors d’oeuvres, a salad, entree and dessert for $70 each.